WRITTEN QUESTION P-2602/03

by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission

(8 August 2003)

Subject: Progress by Member States in the transposition of Directive 2000/78/EC with specific regard to discrimination on the grounds of age

What information does the Commission have on the current state of progress by the Member States in their transposition of Council Directive 2000/78/EC(1) establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, with specific regard to steps taken to tackle discrimination on the grounds of age?

(1) OJ L 303, 2.12.2000, p. 16.

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(12 September 2003)

The deadline for the transposition into national law of Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, is 2 December 2003. Member States may also make use of a supplementary period, of up to three years, in order to take account of particular difficulties, to transpose the provisions dealing with discrimination on grounds of age and disability.

The Commission maintains contact with the authorities of the Member States to ascertain what progress is being made towards the transposition of the Directive. Although there is still some time available before the date of transposition, only one Member State has so far formally notified the transposition of the Directive, while another has already indicated its intention to use a part of the extra period allowed for the transposition of the provisions on age discrimination. The Commission is also aware that legislation has been adopted, or is about to be adopted in some other Member States, though this has not yet been formally notified to the Commission.

All Member States have indicated their intention to transpose the Directive within the time allowed. The Commission has expressed its concern that the deadlines for transposition must be respected and that a failure to do so will constitute an infringement of Community law.